Summary : Set sail for the Far North, well beyond the Arctic Circle, to a legendary, highly coveted maritime route: the Northwest Passage, the only possible shipping route between the Atlantic and the Pacific. In winter, this “roof of the world” is transformed into a majestic white desert; while in summer, for a few short weeks, the temperature raises enough for the ice to melt. Life reappears, nature is reborn, the mythical route is finally free and you can breathe in the refreshing scent of adventure. Watch for amazing wildlife: Arctic Foxes, Seabird colonies, Bowhead Whales, Narwhals, Orcas, Walruses, and possibly Polar Bears.

Activities : Birding, Child-Friendly, Culture

PRICING

Board your flight in Paris taking you to Kangerlussuaq (with a technical stop at the Reykjavik airport) where the ship awaits your arrival. Embark your vessel for introductions to experienced crew and fellow travelers. Settle in to life on board as your cruise begins its voyage.

At the heart of Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilulissat Icefjord provides an extraordinary spectacle of surreal beauty. Sculptural icebergs continue on their timeless journey, shimmering with eternal light. Vast pieces of ice break off from the bergs rejoining the inexorable movement of the sea. Close by lies the town of Ilulissat, the region’s principal destination. Encircled by icebergs, it has retained a unique mix of traditional Arctic life, with multicolored wooden houses, huskies and leather tanners who still use the ancient methods of their ancestors.

Cruise along the Northwestern shores of Greenland to Upernavik Fjord. Roughly 70 km long and located between two island chains, Upernavik Fjord empties into Baffin Bay. Continuing north, discover Melville Bay which is called Qimusseriarsuaq by the local people, meaning "the great dog sledding place". Watch for wildlife and birds while sharing travel experiences with fellow passengers.

North Greenland reveals remote villages of peat houses where the last bear hunters and narwhal fishers live following their ancestral traditions in the Arctic tundra. Discover Savissivik, the largest “iceberg graveyard” in Greenland, while exploring the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Beechey Island, looking across at the huge silhouette of Cape Riley, at the eastern end of Resolute Bay, will call to mind some of the most important moments of Franklin’s expedition. Sir John set off in 1845 in search of the mythical Northwest Passage and was forced to take shelter in Erebus Harbor for two long years, while he waited for the ice floes to recede and allow him a way through. It is a spectacular location; seeing the three wooden grave markers, bleached by the sun (indicating the burial places of at least three of Captain Franklin’s men) and visiting the memorial that has been erected in memory of Franklin and his men can only reinforce the hushed sense of reverence. Be impressed by the surrounding wilderness with the ochre and yellow hues of the rocky desert softening the striking landscape.

During the 15th century, linking Europe and Asia by the sea became the grail of generations of explorers and adventurers. Explore this remote region where passion and the spirit of adventure abound. The Bay of Cambridge is one of the mythical sites in this region. Look towards the horizon, way off on the other side of the fjord, and visualize the silhouette of the Maud, Captain Roald Amundsen’s famous three-master. When she got trapped here after partially sinking, it was a chance for the famous navigator to explore the Northeast Passage near the Siberian coast between 1918 and 1920. Though today we can still see part of her hull breaking the surface, repatriation to Norway is being envisaged, to make the Maud the centerpiece of a new Museum.

Explore the ship and enjoy time to take advantage of onboard amenities. Relax in the spa, read in the library, workout in the fitness center, enjoy a delicious meal, or watch incredible views from the panoramic lounge.

The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is composed of a myriad of islands with jagged coastlines and reveals landscapes only seen at this far end of the world. Discover the small Canadian island of Herschel, a frozen paradise located in the Beaufort Sea just 2 km off the coast of the Yukon within Ivvavik National Park. During a long mapping expedition in 1826, Sir John Franklin was the first European to lay eyes on these unique places and their inhabitants, the Inuvialuit. It was during this trip that he named the island after one of his friends, John Herschel, a brilliant British astronomer and scientist. Herschel Island is a landmark in the West Arctic and has since served alternately as a whaling station, a relay station and a refuge for travelers. As summer approaches, the soft glow of twilight begins to break the opacity of the polar night, and the hours of darkness get shorter and shorter. Set off in the wake of the great explorers, to discover a remote land, its people and cultures, and experience unique moments and rare emotions in landscapes you will not find anywhere else.

Explore the ship and enjoy time to take advantage of onboard amenities. Relax in the spa, read in the library, workout in the fitness center, enjoy a delicious meal, or watch incredible views from the panoramic lounge.

Disembark the vessel and depart the pier by local school bus for a half-day tour of Nome where you'll learn about its fascinating Gold Rush history and traditions of the Eskimo people. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred the airport for your flight to Anchorage.

Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.

Included:Flights from Paris/Kangerlussuaq and Nome/Anchorage in Economy-class; meet and greet by representatives at the destination airport, transfers from Kangerlussuaq airport to ship and from ship to Nome airport; Nome tour; all meals on board the ship; Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; organized entertainment and events; mineral water, tea, filter coffee, a selection of white, red and rosé wines offered during meals; afternoon tea; open bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request); port and safety taxes; gratuities; luggage transfer from pier to the ship and vice versa; 24 hour room service (special selection); parka. Subject to change without notice.

Not Included: Airfare except flights mentioned as included; airport taxes; any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones included; day rooms and other services at arrival and departure, before embarkation and after disembarkation; visa and passport fees; optional shore excursions (sold on board); travel insurance; personal expenses such as onboard medical consultations and drug prescriptions, use of spa, laundry and hair salon; other drinks not included in open bar; fuel surcharge may apply.

Le Soleal

Overview : A Superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins accommodating up to 264 passengers. Le Soleal features French sophistication in an atmosphere that melds a subtle blend of luxury with intimacy and well-being. Superior materials, discreet elegance and a tasteful decor combined with exterior and interior lines to reflect a nautical mood, subtly revisited. On board, soothing neutral tones are enlivened by white corian and warm leather, a signature theme linking tradition and innovation to create personal touches in the spirit of a “private yacht.” Le Soleal's convenient layout has ample public spaces, including two restaurants, a lecture theater, a library with extensive selection of books and DVDs, a full-service salon, steam rooms, spa, fitness center and three passenger elevators for easy accessibility. The knowledgeable expedition staff of Le Soleal promote a spirit of adventure through excellent lectures and expertly-led shore excursions.

Cabin Description : The ship features 132 outside cabins and suites, with bedding configurations ranging from king-sized beds to two single beds. Cabin amenities include a mini bar, electronic safe, flat-screen satellite TV, DVD/CD player, iPod player, individually controlled heat and air-conditioning thermostat, wireless Internet access, direct-dial telephone. Each private bath is lined with marble and teak and has a shower, hair dryer, bathrobes and French toiletries. Twenty-four-hour room service is available throughout your cruise.

Tom R.

This was an expensive trip and it was handled professionally. Any questions I had, and I had several, were answered promptly. I think the documentation before the trip was heavy but was necessary and covered what what was expected of us well.

Tom R.

This was an expensive trip and it was handled professionally. Any questions I had, and I had several, were answered promptly. I think the documentation before the trip was heavy but was necessary and covered what was expected of us well.

Payment Policy

Deposit: 25% of the total cruise price to confirm your reservation

Final Payment: Due 90 days prior to departure

Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

Payment Policy is subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy

All modifications or cancellations must be in writing (registered mail or email with proof of delivery). Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy. These cancellation penalties are applicable to all services booked through the shipping company.

Antarctica and Arctic 2015: Up to 91 days: 25% of full fare90-76 days: 50% of full fare75-61 days: 75% of full fareLess than 61 days: 100% of full fare